Ectopics

[DIB69]

I've had no Afib as such for a couple of years but do get quite a lot of ectopics which generally don't bother me apart from being a bit tired occasionally. I've read on here that a number of people have seen improvement with SVCs and PVCs after starting on flecanide. I'm reluctant to take any more meds (currently on rivaroxaban only) and only keep a 10mg dose of propananol as a pill in the pocket. I'm wondering if those of you taking flecanide experience troubling side affects? and if you think it's been of much benefit in terms of controlling ectopics?

[mjames1]

I take Flecainide daily to stay out of afib and it works pretty well. It also significantly cuts down on my ectopics. That said, from what you said, I think it's overkill for you. Flecainde is a serious anti-arrythmic with potentially serious side effects. Just do some research. Plus, you will want to take it with a nodal blocker -- either bisoprolol or diltiazem -- for safety reasons. So that's two more meds you'd have to take, each with their own side effect profile. It's risk versus reward. I'm taking the risk for the reward of staying out of afib. I would never take daily Flecainide for the reward of simply having less ectopics.

Jim

[MikeThePike in reply to mjames1]

Thanks for highlighting the potential serious risks of flecainide. I have tried to point out the risks in the past only to get shot down by other members.

[mjames1 in reply to MikeThePike]

Yes, it's a serious drug, especially taken daily. I'm currently taking it, so not saying people shouldn't. Just that they should know the potential risks and be closely monitored while on it.

Jim

[Singwell in reply to mjames1]

It's inevitable people will want to defend choices on a drug that's working for them. I got on well with Flecainide but after 9 months in NSR post ablation my EP was keen to get me off it. I took his advice and would rather put up with the ectopics and runs of higher HR that I get when my stress response is high. Slow breathing and rest seem to do the trick in these cases

[Cavalierrubie]

Like yourself l just take an anticoagulant and Bisprolol as a PIP. I was told not to worry about ectopics as everyone gets them AF or not. I also read somewhere that ectopics can stop you going into an AF episode. I may be wrong but maybe someone on here can elaborate on that more than l can. I would be very reluctant to take medication for ectopics, but l am not medically trained so perhaps you need a second opinion. All the best.

[secondtry]

Flecainide is a strong drug albeit tried & tested but certainly not started without cardiologist supervision.

As a starter, I would suggest you try a magnesium compound partnered with CoQ10 (200mg); particularly the latter.

[DIB69 in reply to secondtry]

Thank you, I already take magnesium taurate and will look into adding CoQ10.

[secondtry in reply to DIB69]

Yes, definitely give it a try (with GP consent) as I have taken it for 9yrs with no ectopics. Recently I decreased the dose, ectopics began, so I went back on the old dose and ectopic free again!

[Brizzy50000]

I can only comment from my personal experience, had AF, ablation done successfully, 5 years ago, I am only on rivaroxaban, I did get lots of ectopic episodes until I started taking magnesium turate which has helped me now they are minimal, hope that helps

[Ajpmd]

I have had 5 ablation done for atrial deffriblation, resulting in 1 of the ops damaging 2 of my plumory veins,so now when running cannot go up hill or fast on flat,as cannot get blood through to feed the muscles, and I still get bad bouts of eptopic beats.

[MikeThePike in reply to Ajpmd]

I'm sorry to hear that. I really am. We try to so hard to improve our health with these routine procedures. Unfortunately we find that when they go wrong the Doctors are not able to repair the damage and we are left to deal with it as best we can.

[Ajpmd in reply to MikeThePike]

Think I was just unlucky, in same op,finished with massive hematoma (think that's how you spell it) in my leg a week later,as cut in groin had not sealed and bled into leg for a week,pain was horrendous.

[baba]

Personal experience, ectopics more forceful and noticeable when on flecainide. Don't notice them at all now in permanent AF.

[Ajpmd in reply to baba]

Fleccanide caused me to go into v.t and collapsed.

[MaryCa]

Have you added magnesium taurate and co enzyme q10 to your supplements. Definitely help. I don't think any doctor would prescribe flecainide for "harmless" , their words, ectopics. And I find if I cut out food with added sugar that helps enormously.

[DIB69]

Many thanks for all your replies. I find your collective personal experiences on here a lifeline.

[DebbiB28]

Morning. I was offered flecainide by my EP as I found it very difficult to live with ectopics. After much consideration I 'gave them a go'. I am on a very low dose - 50mg once a day (most people seem to take twice a day). My experience is that the tablets have made a definite difference. Much less ectopics and those that do occur are mainly in the morning just before my tablet is due. I take mine with bisoprolol which is apparently needed, I do have horrible dizzy spells mainly in afternoon especially if I stand up and move too quickly, However to be free from the majority of my ectopics is a real benefit. Ii would however be interested to hear from anyone who can explain the serious side effects that people seem to raise. For me flecainide is a good move. Hope this helps.

p.s. constipation seems to be linked and unfortunately I have experienced this!

[etheral]

Hi. Reluctance to take flecinide is due to it's possible side effects and many dangerous drug interactions. The most dangerous would be torsade de points, a Ventricular Arrythmia that frequently results in death. This risk can be minimized but not eliminated. Other cardiac arrhythmia and side effects are possible. It is a drug that you should have a discussion about with your EP if taking or considering. Best,etheral